Other Benefits for Former Foster Youth

In addition to Aftercare Services, Transitional Services and the Road to Independence Scholarship Program, former foster youth may be entitled to other benefits

Tuition and Fee Exemption

§1009.25(2)(c) Fla.Stat. (2006)

If you are a student within the Florida Public University System you may be exempted from tuition and fees at any public, Florida educational institution.

• Requirements for “tuition exemption”
• You are or were in the department’s custody at 18
  • You do not need to be eligible for the Road to Independence Program
• You were adopted from the department’s custody after May 5, 1997
• You were in the custody of a relative under the relative care statute, when you turned 18
• You, in departmental custody, spent 6 months in the custody of the department after your 16th birthday, and were place in guardianship by the court

Retention of Medicaid Eligibility 

§409.903(4), Fla. Stat. (2006)

Even if you are eligible to receive Aftercare, Transitional or Road to Independence services will retain Medicaid eligibility until you reach 20 years of age

• Regardless of income, resources, or categorical eligibility test
• This category also includes a person who as a child was eligible under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act for foster care or the state-provided foster care and who is a participant in the Road-to-Independence Program

Visit the Medicaid Website

Medical Assistance for Youth Formerly in Foster Care

65C-31.010 (3) F.A.C

• Department is obligated to enroll specified young adults in Florida KidCare Program

• Must provide written documentation to the young adult about the program

• Young adult pays premiums

• Young adult must have turned 18 in licensed foster care and not yet be 19

• Those not eligible to enroll:

• Has third party insurance (i.e. from employer)

• Eligible for Medicaid

• If eligible young adult requests assistance from a service worker, the service worker shall consult the KidCare website www.floridakidcare.org for application process and information to apply for KidCare program if they:

• Have been denied RTI award; or

• Not eligible to apply for RTI award; or

• Chose not to apply for RTI award; or

• Have had the RTI award terminated, and

• Have no access to other insurances coverage

• If young adult is not eligible for Medicaid or Florida KidCare Program, the service worker must provide the young adult with a list of available medical insurance/care resources 65C-31.010 (3)(d) F.A.C

• List must include eligibility requirements, application procedure, and costs

Florida KidCare

Information about Florida KidCare is on their website.  There are on-line applications, cost information and eligibility requirements 

Continue to Live in Licensed Foster Care

§ 409.1451(5)(b)5e, Fla. Stat. (2006)

• If youth is eligible for Road to Independence Program then they shall be permitted to live in their licensed foster care or in another licensed foster home arranged by the department